新年的傳統禮俗(摘自網路)
Traditions of Chinese New Year

Celebrations today are both literal and symbolic.
Spring cleaning (大掃除) is started about a month
prior to the new year and must be completed before
the celebrations begin.

Typically red envelopes (紅包) called “Lai See” with money
tucked inside are given out as a symbol of good luck.
The amount is usually an even number as odd numbers
are regarded as unlucky.

Lions are considered to be good omens.
The lion dance (舞龍舞獅) is believed to repel demons.
Each lion has two dancers, one to maneuver the head,
the other the back. During the New Year celebrations
people do not fight or be mean to each other, as this
would bring a bad, unlucky year.

Foods during the holiday hold symbolism as well.
Typically red meat is not served and one is careful not
to serve or eat from a chipped or cracked plate.
Fish is eaten to ensure long life and good fortune.

Red dates (紅棗) bring the hope for prosperity,
melon seeds (瓜子) for proliferation and lotus seeds
(蓮子) mean the family will prosper through time.
Oranges and tangerines (橘子) symbolize wealth
and good fortune. Nian gao (年糕), the New Year's
Cake is always served. It is believed that the higher
the cake rises the better the year will be.

When company stops by a "prosperity tray" is served.
The tray has eight sides (another symbol of prosperity)
and is filled with goodies like red dates, melon seeds,
cookies and New Year's Cakes.